About
Jaisalmer is located right in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan and is fondly called as the "Golden City" of India. Jaisalmer, featured with honey hued sandstone of its architecture, imposing forts, the finely sculpted havelis and the endless stretch of the golden sand dunes offer a timelessness that enthralls every visitor. Nevertheless, this desert geography gets in the way of having a good time in Jaisalmer, as, owing to its weather, your trip could be a roller coaster ride.
In this guide, we take a good look at what is the best time to visit Jaisalmer by giving you a detailed account about weather, activities, cultural festivals and local services for travelling each season. If you are backpacker, honeymooner, family traveler or a history enthusiast, here is this blog through which you can find out the perfect window to explore the magic of Jaisalmer.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
October
- Beginning of the tourist season
- Warm days and cool nights
- Camel rides and a fort visit would have suited it just fine.
November
- More comfortable weather
- Great for desert safaris and overnight camping
- Start of cultural shows and folk events
December & January
- Winter and tourism season where peaks are.
- This is perfect for all that full day sightseeing and cultural programs.
- Ideal for honeymooners and families
February
- Hosts the famous Desert Festival
- It is in full swing for desert activities.
- Great time for vibrant photography and cultural immersion
March
- Springlike weather
- Fewer crowds than peak winter
- Offers good sightseeing and shopping.
April to June
- Hot and dry, best avoided
- In the afternoon, desert activities close down
- Low travel cost and fewer tourists
July to September
- Relief and greenery are provided by occasional rains.
- Ideal for peaceful travel on a budget.
- Possible disruption in outdoor plans due to weather.
Festivals to Plan Your Visit Around
Jaisalmer’s festivals, from where you can best experience this unique heritage, are basically seasonal.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival (February)
The city’s cultural calendar has this as the crown jewel. The festival organized by Rajasthan Tourism has:
Camel races and polo matches.
Folk music and Kalbeliya dance.
This includes, but is not limited to: Puppet shows, fire dances and turban tying competitions.
Craft bazaars and traditional food stalls offer food and crafts.
Diwali (October/November)
During this festival of lights the Golden City is decorated to look like a dazzling landscape of lamps and lanterns. And markets are aglow with joys: forts, and temples, are lit.
Holi (March)
While not the only place to celebrate Holi in Jaisalmer, celebrating Holi in the desert is a surreal affair—colors, music, and a desert backdrop makes for lasting memories.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from November to February, when the weather is most agreeable, the local festivals happen, and there will never be an end to the desert adventure. If you want camel safaris under a setting sun, cosy nights in desert camps listening to folk music, then this is the time to be in the Golden City and when it’s at its most magical.
The monsoon season (July to September) is therefore less crowded, greener, and more affordable in Jaisalmer. The offbeat travellers and budget adventurers can visit this place during the hot summer months (April to June) when there are hardly any visitors and it exactly suits them to avail such conditions.
Summer Season
Temperature Range: 25°C to 45°C Peak Heat: May and June Jaisalmer is extremely hot and dry during the summer season; days go up to above 40 degrees C. The searing temperatures and burning winds (called loo) mean that this is regarded as the least palatable time of the year to visit. However, some travelers might consider summer to have its own set of advantages. When Summer Makes Sense: Budget Travel: Very few tourists get luxury rooms for budget, exclusive access to lures which are gathered in high season. Indoor Exploration: The best thing about Jaisalmer is you can explore a good number of indoor attractions like Jaisalmer Folklore Museum, Desert Culture Centre and Tazia Tower with air conditioned comfort. Night Desert Excursions: Other than night time outings, it is advisable only to visit Libya during winter (December to February), or early spring (March to April): otherwise, save your extra layers and sleep-deprivation because temperatures are sustained at higher levels, both during the day and at night. Major Drawbacks: Daytime heat can also be unbearable and even a health risk. Peak heat hours are particularly limited or closed for excursions to the desert. Uncomfort came in the way of the beauty of outdoor activities. Travel Tips: So, stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing, apply sunscreen generously, and avoid being out during 12 PM to 4 PM.
Monsoon Season
Temperature Range: 20°C to 35°C Best Month: August The rain is very less in Jaisalmer—the average is not more than 200 mm every year—monsoons yet lend a charm to the city that not many come by. Unlike other places, rains here in monsoon are not too heavy showers but light rains that are responsible to give a marvelous look to the arid desert as a surprising palette of colors. Why Consider Visiting in Monsoon: Off-Season Serenity: What can Monsoon be considered, you ask? Consider it off peak season, that’s what. It is the time when tourists aren’t crowding up the tourist places, when accommodations are cheaper and there is less chaos. Occasional Shower: Providing a Refreshing Change in Landscape, as it brings about that proper freshness to the landscape. There is slightly cooler air and you’ll find patches of greenery around the desert vegetation. Affordable Travel: Of course the Lean Months are also known as the Affordable Travel Months, as hotels, desert camps and tour packages try and package their offers to attract travelers with discounts and promos. Things to Keep in Mind: But as with the rest of the dunes, rainfall is minimal but unpredictable, so make sure you have waterproof gear if you are going that way. Camel rides may be restricted on certain days due to sand conditions.
Winter Season
Temperature Range: 5°C to 25°C Best Months: November to February There is no doubt that the best and most popular times to visit Jaisalmer are the winter months. At this time the weather is at its best for the desert, it is cool in the evenings and warm enough days to enjoy the outdoors. Why Winter is the Best Season: Perfect for Sightseeing: With cool and dry weather, the place is perfect for sightseeing especially in the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli and the intricacies of Salim Singh Ki Haveli without tiring in the sun. Camel Safari & Camping: Winter is a good time to go on a classic camel safari or jeep ride over the Sam Sand Dunes and sleep under the stars with cultural evenings of Rajasthani music, local dance. Festivals & Fairs: Other Festivals & Fairs include the Jaisalmer Desert Festival (February) with folk dances, camel races, turban tying contests and puppet shows. Any culture lover would consider the experience a one of a kind that it is. The Seaside Photography Heaven: Clear blue skies, golden sands and medieval architecture gently taken by mellow sunshine are the most favourable conditions for photographers. Travel Tips: Nights in the desert become very chilly by January so bring warm layers with you. Being the peak season it's best to book the hotels and safaris in advance to avoid last minute rush and price hikes.
